The Shark Trust Podcast | Shark Science and Conservation

The Shark Trust
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Dive into the depths of shark and ray conservation with The Shark Trust Podcast. Through captivating interviews, we bring you closer to the fascinating world of sharks. From conservationists to researchers, we delve into the intricate workings of conservation. Gain exclusive insights into the challenges, successes, and innovations shaping the future of research, policy and conservation efforts for some of the worlds most endangered species.  With each episode, discover steps to enhance shark and ray conservation and create a positive future for these iconic species! Please Like, Share and Subscribe! And you could give us a rating so we can reach as many people as possible so they can find out how to helps sharks! Follow us on our social media platforms below: Instagram Facebook LinkedIn If you have questions about the podcast and would like to contact us, please email host, Mark Stokes-Packer at mark@sharktrust.org 

  1. 19h ago

    Living with Sharks: Tourism, Conflict & Coexistence with Paul Cox & Caroline Robertson-Brown | S2E6

    What can The Bahamas teach us about living alongside sharks? In this episode of Series 2, host Mark Stokes-Packer speaks with Shark Trust CEO Paul Cox and Marketing Manager and underwater photographer Caroline Robertson-Brown. Together, they revisit the making of the Shark Trust’s short documentary, “Living with Sharks in The Bahamas”, and explore what they learned from the people sharing their islands and waters with sharks. From Nassau and Bimini to Grand Bahama and Cat Island, Paul and Caroline discuss the importance of shark tourism to local businesses and communities. They reflect on encounters with Great Hammerheads, Caribbean Reef Sharks, Bull Sharks, Oceanic Whitetips and Southern Stingrays, as well as the habitats that support them. But coexistence is not without challenges. Caroline shares what she heard from sport fishers experiencing high levels of shark depredation on Cat Island and why some are beginning to question the country’s shark protections. The conversation explores why community engagement, positive communication and practical solutions must continue long after a shark sanctuary has been established. Paul and Caroline also share lessons from South Africa, where different coastlines, communities and shark species require very different approaches to beach safety. From responsible shark diving and habitat conservation to tourism, fisheries and community engagement, this episode asks what meaningful coexistence really looks like and what other countries can learn from The Bahamas. Please like, share, subscribe and leave a comment. If you have a question about Living with Sharks, leave it below or email mark@sharktrust.org. Watch “Living with Sharks in The Bahamas”: https://youtu.be/vJ8g8Fjv9GI Explore the Speaking Up for the Ocean Toolkit: https://www.sharktrust.org/toolkit Support our work by becoming a member, adopting a shark, donating or taking part in our citizen science projects. Visit https://www.sharktrust.org. Series 2 sponsored by SurfEars. Artwork by rev.01 Studio. Recording by Louis Hogan. Video and sound editing by Mark Stokes-Packer. Research and planning by Cat Gordon and Mark Stokes-Packer. Thank you for listening to the Shark Trust Podcast! Chapters 00:13 What Can The Bahamas Teach Us About Coexistence? 00:33 Meet Paul Cox and Caroline Robertson-Brown 01:02 Making “Living with Sharks in The Bahamas” 04:12 First Impressions of Bimini 05:26 Shark Diving and Tourism 07:47 The Economic and Cultural Value of Sharks 09:50 How Attitudes Towards Sharks Have Changed 11:42 Local Knowledge and Sharing the Water 13:29 Stingrays, Fear and Education 15:38 Mangroves and Shark Habitats 17:48 Diving and Filming Across The Bahamas 19:52 When Sharks Found the 360 Camera 21:55 Diving with Great Hammerheads 23:36 Why Bimini Stood Out 25:15 Connecting Land, Sea and Shark Conservation 28:23 Lessons for Responsible Shark Tourism 30:32 Codes of Conduct and Diver Safety 31:03 Bringing Communities Along 34:07 Conflict on Cat Island 35:50 Sport Fishing and Shark Depredation 37:51 Speaking Up for the Ocean 39:38 Beach Safety Lessons from South Africa 43:29 Expedition Highlights 45:43 Favourite Shark Encounters 49:00 Where Does Living with Sharks Go Next?

  2. Jul 9 ·  Bonus

    Living with Sharks: Heavy Metal, Netflix and All the Sharks with Tom ‘The Blowfish’ Hird | S2E5

    In this episode of the Shark Trust Podcast, host Mark Stokes-Packer is joined by Tom Hird, but you might know him as The Blowfish or just "Fish". "Fish" is a marine biologist, wildlife presenter, science communicator, presenter of Netflix’s All the Sharks, and quite possibly the world’s only heavy metal marine biologist.   Fish shares how a childhood fear of Great Whites sparked a lifelong fascination, how he found his way into science communication, and why he has made it his mission to tell shark stories in a way that reaches beyond traditional wildlife audiences.   We talk about his journey from school talks and Shark Trust videos to Blue Peter, Shark Week, Netflix and beyond. We also dig into All the Sharks and how it helped showcase the huge diversity of sharks, rays and lesser-known species that rarely get time on screen.   Along the way, we cover heavy metal experiments with sharks, the importance of making science accessible, unforgettable dives, the joy from seeing sharks, and why conservation needs more voices, more stories and more ways to connect people with the ocean.   This episode is part of our Living with Sharks series, exploring coexistence and what it means to share the ocean with sharks now and in the future!   Useful links: Find Tom 'The Blowfish' Hird online: theblowfish.co.ukFollow Tom on Instagram: @bigpoppablowfishWatch the series All the Sharks on Netflix  Learn more about the Shark Trust: sharktrust.org and how you can support our conservation work!   Thank you to SurfEars for supporting this series. If you surf, dive, swim or spend time in cold water, protect your ears.   Thank you to Rev.01 Studio for the Shark Trust Podcast artwork.   Recording by Louis Hogan. Editing by Mark Stokes-Packer. Research and planning for this series by Cat Gordon and Mark Stokes-Packer. Hosted by Mark Stokes-Packer.   Thank you for listening to the Shark Trust Podcast!

  3. Jun 23

    Reducing Depredation, Bycatch and Conflict with Dr Victoria Camilieri-Asch | S2E4 (Part 2)

    How can fishers, scientists, and communities work together to reduce shark depredation? In Part 2 of this episode of the Shark Trust Podcast, host Mark Stokes-Packer continues his conversation with marine neurobiologist Dr Victoria Camilieri-Asch about shark depredation, fisher-shark interactions, shark sensory biology, and coexistence. The conversation explores how sharks use electroreception to detect tiny electrical signals in the water, why different species respond differently to deterrents, and why future technology must be developed with shark biology, fisheries needs, and real-world practicality in mind. Please like, share, subscribe, and leave a comment. If you have a question about Living with Sharks, drop it below or email mark@sharktrust.org. Dr Victoria Camilieri-Asch: Email: shark.ethology@gmail.com LinkedIn Lord Howe Island Shark Research Program Facebook page Related research and links: Project Cucut paper Lord Howe Island Shark Research Program paper Documentary Follow the Shark Trust: Instagram Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Support our work by becoming a member, adopt a shark, donating, or taking part in our citizen science projects. You can do all of this by visiting sharktrust.org. Series 2 sponsored by SurfEars. Artwork by rev.01 Studio. Video and sound editing by Louis Hogan. Research and planning by Cat Gordon and Mark Stokes-Packer. Thank you for listening to the Shark Trust Podcast! Our short documentary "Living with Sharks: In the Bahamas" is available on YouTube. Chapters 00:54 Shark Deterrent Videos and Field Trials 01:34 Are Sharks Fussy Eaters? 02:55 Shark Sensory Biology and Deterrent Technology 05:29 Practical Ways Fishers Can Reduce Depredation 08:00 Community Engagement at Lord Howe Island 10:03 Changing Attitudes Towards Sharks 13:16 What Does Successful Coexistence Look Like? 16:44 Shark Depredation at Sharks International 19:01 Future Research Priorities 23:38 Vic’s Favourite Shark Species 25:07 Chimaeras and Deep-Water Sharks

  4. Jun 23

    Living with Sharks: Depredation and Shark Behaviour with Dr Victoria Camilieri-Asch | S2E4 (Part 1)

    What happens when sharks and fisheries overlap? In this episode, Mark speaks with Marine Neurobiologist Dr Victoria Camilieri-Asch about shark depredation, shark behaviour, sensory ecology, and the complex relationship between sharks, fishers, and marine ecosystems. Together, Mark and Vic explore shark depredation, also known as bite-offs, where sharks remove fish from fishing gear before the catch can be retrieved. They discuss why this is becoming a growing issue for fishers, as well as the wider impacts on sharks, fisheries management, and marine ecosystems. Listen to Part 2 to continue the conversation! Please like, share, subscribe, and leave a comment. If you have a question about Living with Sharks, drop it below and we can answer it in a future episode. Or email mark@sharktrust.org. Dr Victoria Camilieri-Asch: Email: shark.ethology@gmail.com LinkedIn Lord Howe Island Shark Research Program Facebook page Related research and links: Project Cucut paper Lord Howe Island Shark Research Program paper Documentary Follow the Shark Trust: Instagram Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Support our work by becoming a member, adopt a shark, donating, or taking part in our citizen science projects. You can do all of this by visiting sharktrust.org. Series 2 sponsored by SurfEars. Artwork by rev.01 Studio. Video and sound editing by Louis Hogan. Research and planning by Cat Gordon and Mark Stokes-Packer. Thank you for listening to the Shark Trust Podcast! Our short documentary "Living with Sharks: In the Bahamas" is available on YouTube. Chapters 00:26 Meet Dr Victoria Camilieri-Asch 03:18 Shark Behaviour, Brains and Sensory Biology 06:06 What Is Shark Depredation? 07:59 Why Depredation Is Becoming a Growing Issue 13:18 Impacts on Fishers, Sharks and Ecosystems 23:18 Key Drivers of Shark Depredation 26:20 Project Cucut in the Cocos Keeling Islands 29:06 Electrical Shark Deterrents and RPELX 31:06 How Shark Deterrent Technology Works 34:13 Reducing Depredation, Bycatch and Gear Loss 38:23 What Comes Next for Shark Depredation Research

  5. Jun 10

    Living with Sharks: Shark Safety, Coexistence and Conservation with Dr Adi Barash | S2E3

    Can people and sharks safely share the same waters? In this episode of Series 2, host Mark Stokes-Packer speaks with Dr Adi Barash, marine biologist, shark researcher, and founder of Sharks in Israel. Together, they explore an unusual shark hotspot, where aggregations of Dusky and Sandbar Sharks gather near coastal power plants. Adi explains how these shark aggregations were first discovered, what attracts the sharks to the area, and how years of research have helped reveal their behaviour. As more people become aware of the phenomenon, the site has become increasingly popular with divers, swimmers, and wildlife enthusiasts, creating new challenges for both shark conservation and public safety. The conversation also explores a tragic shark bite incident that occurred in Israel in 2025. Adi shares the wider context surrounding the event, including environmental conditions, human behaviour, increasing visitor numbers, and the lessons that can help reduce risk in the future. From recovering shark populations and citizen science to wildlife management and responsible behaviour, this episode examines what true coexistence looks like when people and sharks share the same space. Please like, share, subscribe, and leave a comment. If you have a question about Living with Sharks, drop it below and we can answer it in a future episode. Or email mark@sharktrust.org. Follow Dr Adi Barash: LinkedIn Sharks in Israel website Sharks in Israel Facebook MECO Project Follow the Shark Trust: Instagram Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Support our work by becoming a member, adopt a shark, donating, or taking part in our citizen science projects. You can do all of this by visiting sharktrust.org. Series 2 sponsored by SurfEars. Artwork by rev.01 Studio. Video and sound editing by Louis Hogan. Research and planning by Cat Gordon and Mark Stokes-Packer. Thank you for listening to the Shark Trust Podcast! Our short documentary "Living with Sharks: In the Bahamas" is available on YouTube. Chapters 00:26 Meet Dr Adi Barash 02:33 From Sea Turtles to Shark Research 06:06 The Sharks and Rays of Israel 10:01 Living with Sharks in Israel 15:22 What Attracts Sharks to the Area? 16:48 People, Sharks and Shared Waters 19:34 Growing Tourism and Public Interest 23:34 The 2025 Shark Bite Incident 27:37 Understanding Risk and Coexistence 31:25 Public Perception After a Shark Bite 33:21 Conservation Success and Recovering Shark Populations 38:52 Managing Shark Hotspots 44:13 Sharks in Israel and Citizen Science

  6. May 26

    Living with Sharks: Shark Ecotourism, Conservation and Coexistence with Dr Gonzalo Araujo | S2E2

    Can ecotourism help sharks, or are we sometimes getting it wrong? In this episode of Series 2, host Mark Stokes-Packer speaks with Dr Gonzalo Araujo, Founder and Director of MARECO Marine Research and Conservation Foundation. Together, they explore what shark ecotourism really means, how it differs from ordinary wildlife tourism, and why the details matter. Gonzalo explains why good ecotourism should benefit sharks, local communities, and the wider marine environment. But he also looks at the risks. What happens when shark behaviour is changed? When does provisioning or overcrowding become a problem? And how do we decide where the line is between a positive wildlife encounter and one that causes harm? This episode also looks at codes of conduct, tourist responsibility, local management, and why the same species may need different rules in different parts of the world. From Whale Sharks in Australia to Blue Sharks in the UK, Gonzalo shows why there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Please like, share, subscribe, and leave a comment. If you have a question about Living with Sharks, drop it below and we can answer it in a future episode. Or email mark@sharktrust.org Follow Dr Gonzalo Araujo: MARECO website MARECO Instagram Gonzo's Instagram Follow the Shark Trust: Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Support our work by becoming a member, adopting a shark, donating, or taking part in our citizen science projects. You can do all of this by visiting sharktrust.org Series 2 sponsored by SurfEars. Artwork by rev.01 Studio. Video and sound editing by Louis Hogan. Research and planning by Cat Gordon and Mark Stokes-Packer. Thank you for listening to the Shark Trust Podcast! Our short-documentary "Living with Sharks: in the Bahamas" is available on YouTube. Chapters Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Shark Ecotourism 00:27 Meet Dr Gonzalo Araujo 08:29 What Is Ecotourism? 10:13 Can Ecotourism Help Sharks? 13:10 Why Shark Tourism Works in Some Places and Not Others 15:02 Risks of Shark Tourism 19:03 How Tourism Can Change Shark Behaviour 24:15 Where Is the Red Line? 28:25 Animal Welfare and Ecosystem Function 29:36 Provisioning, Conditioning, and Long-Term Impacts 33:29 Codes of Conduct and Blue Shark Tourism 41:07 Creating Codes of Conduct with Operators 43:26 What Makes a Good Code of Conduct? 45:04 Enforcement, Licensing, and Responsibility 50:26 Planning Ahead for Shark Recovery 53:15 How to Choose Responsible Shark Tourism 57:13 Gonzalo’s Favourite Shark 59:30 Where to Find Gonzalo and MARECO

  7. May 22 ·  Bonus

    Inside IOTC with Ali Hood: Shark Conservation in the Indian Ocean | 2026 Update

    In this update episode of the Shark Trust Podcast, host Mark Stokes-Packer is joined by Ali Hood, Shark Trust Director of Conservation, fresh from the annual meeting of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission, or IOTC. If IOTC is new to you, don’t worry. Ali breaks down what this major fisheries management body does, why it matters for sharks and rays, and how decisions made in these meeting rooms can shape conservation outcomes across the Indian Ocean. This episode looks at the latest developments for Mobulid Rays, the challenges around the consolidated shark resolution, and the frustrating delay in securing full protection for Whale Sharks. Ali also explains why language, process, scientific advice and long-term relationships all matter when trying to turn conservation ambition into binding fisheries rules. It is a behind-the-scenes look at the slow, detailed and often difficult work of international shark conservation, and a reminder of why being in the room matters. The Shark Trust’s work in the Indian Ocean is supported by our Big Shark Pledge community. You can sign the Big Shark Pledge and add you voice to the community changing the future for oceanic sharks and rays! Add your voice at bigsharkpledge.org. Learn more about our Oceanic Programme at sharktrust.org. Please like, share, subscribe, and leave a comment. If you have any questions, drop it in a comment and we can answer it in a future episode. Or email me mark@sharktrust.org Follow the Shark Trust: Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Support our work by becoming a member, adopting a shark, donating, or taking part in our citizen science projects. You can do all of this by visiting sharktrust.org Series 2 sponsored by SurfEars. Artwork by rev.01 Studio. Video and sound editing by Louis Hogan. Research and planning for this episode by Ali Hood and Mark Stokes-Packer. Thank you for listening to the Shark Trust Podcast!

  8. May 12

    Living with Sharks: Coexistence, Conflict and Conservation with Cat Gordon | S2E1

    What does it really mean to live with sharks? In the first episode of Series 2, host Mark Stokes-Packer speaks with Cat Gordon, Senior Conservation Officer at the Shark Trust and lead for the Living with Sharks project. Together, they introduce the big questions behind this series. Are shark populations recovering, or are more people simply entering shark habitat? How do we make sure conservation success does not lead to new conflict? And what can we learn from communities already sharing the water with sharks? This episode explores depredation, ecotourism, beach safety, education, and the importance of planning ahead. Cat explains why coexistence is not just about sharks, but about people too. Please like, share, subscribe, and leave a comment. If you have a question for about Living with Sharks, drop it below and we can answer it in a future episode. Or email mark@sharktrust.org Follow the Shark Trust: Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Support our work by becoming a member, adopting a shark, donating, or taking part in our citizen science projects. You can do all of this by visiting sharktrust.org Series 2 sponsored by SurfEars. Artwork by rev.01 Studio. Video and sound editing by Louis Hogan. Research and planning by Cat Gordon and Mark Stokes-Packer. Thank you for listening to the Shark Trust Podcast! Our short-documentary "Living with Sharks: in the Bahamas" is available on YouTube. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Living with Sharks07:29 Living with Sharks: What Does It Mean?13:46 Depredation: Impact and Solutions20:49 Ecotourism: Benefits and Risks27:46 Shark Code of Conducts and Safety Measures33:04 Beach Safety and Bite Mitigation Measures38:43 Human Behaviour and Shark Coexistence

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Dive into the depths of shark and ray conservation with The Shark Trust Podcast. Through captivating interviews, we bring you closer to the fascinating world of sharks. From conservationists to researchers, we delve into the intricate workings of conservation. Gain exclusive insights into the challenges, successes, and innovations shaping the future of research, policy and conservation efforts for some of the worlds most endangered species.  With each episode, discover steps to enhance shark and ray conservation and create a positive future for these iconic species! Please Like, Share and Subscribe! And you could give us a rating so we can reach as many people as possible so they can find out how to helps sharks! Follow us on our social media platforms below: Instagram Facebook LinkedIn If you have questions about the podcast and would like to contact us, please email host, Mark Stokes-Packer at mark@sharktrust.org 

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